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The weather on October 14 cooperated with necessary conditions for a perfect launch, ascent, and landing.

Felix ascended about 8,000 feet higher than originally expected.

Joe Kittinger, Retired USAF Colonel, who set the 1960 record for skydive from the highest altitude (at 19 miles) was the sole person from Mission Xontrol talking to Felix Baumgartner during the mission. He helped Felix with his checklist, reminders, and keeping him alert. Kittinger retains the world record for the longest time for skydive freefall at 4 minutes 26 seconds.

For much of the ascent the heat on the face mask was not working, which caused concern about available options to protect Baumgartner’s face on descent. However, as Baumgartner approached the highest altitude the heat in the mask began to work.

Baumgartner’s family from Austria watched in suspense as Baumgartner ascended, and with pride and relief as he skydived down.

These pictures are screenshots from the Red Bull live broadcast on October 14, 2012. Felix Baumgartner’s Red Bull Stratos mission was broadcast at www.redbullstratos.com. Watch Red Bull Stratos for rebroadcasts or see the Red Bull Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/RedBull.